What Is Compounded Medication And How Can One Get This Type Of Prescription?

Compounded medication is a formula that is the result of mixing different drugs and other ingredients together

. It is used to create customized medication designed specifically for an individual patient and their precise medical needs. These needs vary and may include changing the form from a pill to liquid, gel, or trans-dermal patch. Sometimes a flavoring agent might be added for those who find swallowing pills difficult.

Many patients have allergies to some of the ingredients to over the counter or prescription medications. Frequently, with some health issues, such as a thyroid condition, very precise dosages may be required that are not available at a drug store pharmacy.

Compounding medication was the common way of prescribing drugs before mass-production began in the 1950's. However, as patients' individual needs have changed and the mass production includes more and more additives, individualized formulation is once again becoming popular and is continuing to play a huge role in the drug development industry.

All pharmacists are independently regulated according to state specific laws. Most states also have further regulations concerning pharmacists that prepare compounded formulas. These pharmacists are required to have specialized training and are also regulated by the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board. The Board was created as a result of the continued increase in the demand for these types of medications. A patient can feel secure in obtaining a prescription from a PCAB accredited pharmacy knowing that their top priority is high quality and patient safety.

Compounded medication is only available by prescription through a doctor with the legal ability to write prescriptions, such as a physician, dentist, or veterinarian. It is often prescribed for individuals with special needs, such as those who are physically or mentally unable to swallow pills or those who prefer to have a medicine in a form other than a pill. Infants needing very small and exact doses and strengths, children who need a sweet or fruity flavor added so they will take their medications, or patients who have allergies or other sensitivities either to specific drugs or to the additives that are often present are other common candidates for this type of prescription.

Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy is a growing field in compounded pharmaceuticals as the controversy continues about using synthetic hormones for female issues.

The most commonly compounded formulas are hormone replacement, pain medications usually for patients during hospice care, and a variety of other drugs that are formulated specifically for infants and children.

by: Stephen Daniels

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